Amendment 1

Many of you who read this blog are from North Carolina, and many of you aren't but are hearing in the news and other places that Amendment 1 passed there today. This new law is essentially a hate crime which I hope will be repealed. In the meantime I'm also seeing lots of negative stuff on Facebook and Twitter about the people of North Carolina. The thing is, it's only true of some people and not all. Sadly the stereotypes are being tossed around. I'm guilty of the same. Because of my experience at places like Penland, Asheville, and even High Point I tend to see North Carolina as a wonderful, beautiful place. I stereotype it into being a great place, where I would love to live. I forget that not everyone there is like those of you I have gotten to know. So I'm saddened by this vote and shocked back into reality.

I appreciate that some of you did vote against the bill, I want to thank many of you in advance for the fight you will have to help repeal Amendment 1. I apologize to you for being grouped in with the people who are less liberal, you will be included in the name calling just for where you choose to live. I know, I get the same abuses here in Georgia.

A petition has been started already to get the law repealed. If you go to:

and sign the petition I'd appreciate it. If you share it with your friends to help get more signatures I'd appreciate that too. If you call or send a letter to your local politicians you'll have my undying love. If you care, even just a little, you have my friendship. Please feel free to tweet, post to Facebook, or Pinterest, etc. Thanks

Comments

I was so disappointed that the amendment passed. Jeff and I made it a point to get to the polls yesterday to vote against it. I read that there was an unprecedented 37% voter turn out. 37%???, what's wrong with people, it took only minutes out of our day to get out and vote. We have to have faith that this will be repealed. I will click on the link and sign the petition.

Thank you Michele, and thank Jeff too. After the long trip he just took it seems like he'd have less energy than many people to vote, yet he did. That's commendable. I appreciate you signing the petition.

I saw a lot of postings on fb and tweets but I guess there weren't enough of them. Like minds tend to talk with like minds, so no influence to the unlike minds. Gary just said on the radio there was a talk show about stereotyping and it's also true in so many circumstances. Most people are followers and don't or can't "think" for themselves. They just follow along with the group agreeing with what the popular folks say and don't think about the actual subject or people involved. I never heard that quote by Gandhi - I like it.

I was saddened to see the results of this vote. However, while this is a setback, there is no stopping the train of marriage equality now. More and more people are coming to see the light, and young people are leading the way. I appreciate this post encouraging fairness; I am from Maine where, a couple of years ago, marriage equality lost at the ballot box. It hurt to see the things said about my home! But the issue will be back before the voters here this fall, and all expectations are that marriage will be deregulated in Maine.

You're so right Lori, 150 years ago the churches encouraged slavery, they quoted the Bible and said it was our God given right to own people. They were wrong and 130 years after slavery was abolished they apologized. If history repeats itself, as it will since we didn't learn from it, I won't live long enough to hear the apology for this discrimination but I am confident that I will see equality in marriage.Your comments are co-incidental since I was just today discussing the movement in Maine with a friend who was active in the movement there. Thanks for commenting.

Diane Rehm had a good show on this topic today and then followed up with an interview with John Irving on his new book. During the interview he called these folks that voted in NC troglodytes. I have to agree there are a lot of backward thinking southern baptists here, but my neighborhood was full of signs against the bill.You have to remember this is also a state that loved that moan Jesse Helms!

Tracey, it's so true that many people in NC are very open minded and intelligent, I just hope they will try to insure that this gets struck down by your governor. I've met so many wonderful people from NC, and western North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, it's hard for me to remember it's not Utopia.

I find it sad and discouraging that people feel so threatened and insecure in their beliefs that they have to outlaw any who disagree with them. Being from a very different state I cannot sign any petitions, but know that I am with you in spirit.

Thanks Suzie, actually, you can sign the petition. If the government realizes how many people are against this amendment, especially the people who might spend tourist dollars in the state the amendment might not be signed into law by the governor. I singed it, and I'm from GA and yes, this will have an influence in where I spend my vacation dollars, not to mention what I spend and with whom whenever I go to Penland.

I voted- did the best I could in an area that is not know to have an open mind--- Mark voted too- we felt it was so important and someday we hope that all people have rights- no matter who or what they believe or who they love.

The ancients believed inanimate objects such as pottery had a soul. I
can understand why they thought this. It comes from the ground, where
life sustaining plants grow, and just like people; with direction it
can be molded. Also like people and plants it has mind of its own and
sometimes rejects the direction in which we lead it. Often the
resulting pot is better than what we intended at the start. This is why
I love working in clay and why my style is not highly refined or rigid.
I gently guide the clay and the glaze but rejoice in letting them
become what they will by the other forces they encounter. Just like
planting a seed in the garden, even when I have specific plans for it
I’m never exactly certain what it will be until it is fully developed.
I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy sharing it with you.